Route: Saghmosavank-Hovhanavank-Armenian Alphabet Monument-Amberd-Kari lake
Rate includes: high qualifuied guide service, transport services
Duration: 8-9 hours
Sagmosavank was founded in 1215, when Prince Vache Vachutyan ordered to build the temple of Saint Zion here. Later, the temple grew-there was a narthex (1250), a book Depository (1255), and the Church of St. Nicholas. Astvatsatsin (1235). the monastery has an elegant interior: on the walls you can see bas-reliefs depicting animals, plants, and the vachutyan coat of arms. There is an impressive number of unique khachkars.
Hovhannavank is a monastic complex dedicated to John the Baptist. The oldest building in the complex is a Basilica-type Church built in the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator. The construction of the main Church of the monastery of Surb Karapet dates back to the XIII century. The walls of the cross-domed Church are richly decorated with bas-reliefs and ornaments.
Amberd is a historical fortress located at an altitude of 2300 meters. From the first minutes of your stay in Amberd, you will be mesmerized by the beauty of the area, and in clear weather you will be able to see Ararat.
The Armenian Alphabet Monument comprises of 39 letter-shaped components as well as carvings by exceptional Armenian intellectuals. For their building, famous Armenian tuff was used. In 2005, when 1600 years have passed since the creation of the Armenian alphabet, a big architectural complex was installed. In 405-406, the Armenian alphabet was written by scholar-linguist Mesrop Mashtots.
Kari lake is located on the slope of Aragats mountain, at an altitude of 3207 m. The word “Kari” means Stone in Armenian. It got its name because of the rocky shore. The lake is surrounded by snow most of the year, which leaves the water cold. It is from lake Kari that some mountain climbing routes start.